Moving From Ireland To Spain For Work or Retirement
Moving From Ireland To Spain For Work or Retirement
If you are thinking of moving from Ireland to Spain, you might be wondering where to start? Relocation is a huge step but a very exciting one too. With all that excitement you won’t want to get carried away and skip any of the formalities. We’ve created a handy checklist and city guide to get you started.
Let’s be honest. Spain has always been a favourite for Irish people. The sunshine, the food, the relaxed pace of life, and the short flight home all make it an easy choice. Whether you are heading there for work or retirement, the move is manageable if you plan ahead. The key is to take it one step at a time. Sort out your paperwork, find a place to stay, arrange your move, and everything else will fall into place. Here is what you need to know about moving from Ireland to Spain.
1. Research Where in Spain You Want to Live
The first thing that you need to do if you are considering moving from Ireland to Spain is to research suitable potential locations in Spain. In general, it’s best to take a trip to a few different destinations and see which one stands out.
If you are unable to visit first, you can do your research online to find out the best neighbourhoods to live in, common cultural practices, or expat communities. Doing so will make you better prepared to settle into your new life on arrival.
Not everyone can take a trip before they move. If that is you, do not worry. Spend time in online forums and Facebook groups for Irish people living in Spain. Ask questions. People are usually happy to share their experiences. You will quickly learn which areas are good for families, which are best for retirees, and which have the best job opportunities. It is also worth checking the cost of living in different regions, because prices vary a lot between Madrid, Barcelona, and smaller coastal towns. Knowing this in advance will help you make a realistic budget for your moving from Ireland to Spain journey.
2. Prepare Your Documents Before Relocating to Spain
If you’re an Irish citizen or have an EU passport, you won’t need a visa to move to Spain. Having said this, it doesn’t mean that you’ll not have any paperwork to complete when you arrive.
After getting to Spain, you will need to get a Número de Identidad de Extranjeros (NIE). An NIE is essentially a national identification number that you will need to stay in Spain for a period that exceeds 90 days.
Ensure that you have a copy of your passport and some evidence of your reason for seeking the NIE, whether this is for work purposes, retirement or travel, etc. If you have a non EU passport you’ll need to look into the visa process also.
The NIE is one of the first things you should sort out when moving from Ireland to Spain. You will need it for almost everything, including opening a bank account, signing a lease, and setting up utilities. The process can take a few weeks, so start early. You will also need to register on the padrón, which is the local town hall register. This is how you prove where you live, and it is required for many public services. Do not leave these tasks until the last minute. They are not difficult, but they do take time, and you cannot do much without them.
3. Before You Move to Spain, Learn Some Spanish
You’ll mostly find that the Spanish speak English very well and that you’ll find an expat community. Regardless, wherever you are moving overseas, it’s vital to equip yourself with the language skills. You’ll find that you feel more part of the community, confident and safe if you can adequately communicate with the locals.
There are several language learning apps out there to help you to learn, from Babbel to Memrise or Duolingo.
You do not need to be fluent before you go. Even a basic level of Spanish makes a big difference. It shows respect, it makes daily tasks easier, and it helps you build friendships with locals rather than staying in an expat bubble. Start with an app before you leave Ireland. Once you arrive, consider joining a local class or conversation group. It is also a great way to meet people. If you are retiring to Spain, learning Spanish can become a hobby in itself, and you will find that locals appreciate the effort. Making this effort is one of the best things you can do when moving from Ireland to Spain.
4. Arrange Moving Your Belongings Well in Advance
Once you’ve had a good clear-out and got rid of anything that you don’t need, you’ll need to arrange to move your home contents to Spain. The best thing to do is to hire a professional moving company with years of experience in organising successful moves.
Relocating can be a stressful process, so you’ll want to find a trusted source to help things go as smoothly as possible. If you are relocating with your current company, you should check if they offer any assistance with staff relocations.
Start with a clear-out. Be honest about what you actually need. Shipping furniture and boxes to Spain costs money, and it is rarely worth bringing items you hardly use. Sell, donate, or store what you do not need. Once you know what is going, contact a moving company that specialises in the Ireland to Spain route. Ask about shipping times, customs, and insurance. A good mover will handle the paperwork and keep you informed at every stage. At RAS Removals Group, we have nearly 30 years of experience helping people with moving from Ireland to Spain and beyond.
5. Look at the Available Housing Options
When you are relocating from Ireland to Spain, you may not be able to move straight into long-term accommodation. Websites like Hometogo or Airbnb can offer short term rentals. You could also look to sites like Idealista. Ensure to determine what your budget is and set a realistic time frame about how long you will need to stay in a short-term rental.
Short term accommodation gives you time to explore. You can see the area with your own eyes, check out the local shops and transport, and decide if it really suits you. It also gives you time to find a long term place without pressure. Do not rush into signing a lease before you have seen the property in person. If you are buying a property in Spain, it is worth working with a local estate agent who knows the area and can guide you through the process.
There are plenty of beautiful cities in Spain to choose to relocate to. Let’s consider some of the top choices that could be on the cards for your move!
Barcelona
Barcelona is a beautifully charming city, famous all over the world for its stunning architecture. One of the main attractions that tourists flock to see here is Gaudi’s Cathedral.
Antoni Gaudi has many beautiful buildings to marvel at as you explore, yet this church Sagrada Família is both the most breathtaking and the most famous. Though beautiful as it stands, it’s been in the construction process for over a century (and still is)! This UNESCO World Heritage site is certainly one to put on the bucket list!
Barcelona is stunningly set against mountains, sea, and beaches with a vibrant city to top it all off. There is a large expat community in Barcelona so you should check out the expat groups on Meetup or Internations.
Barcelona is a great choice if you want city life by the sea. It is lively, international, and full of things to do. The downside is that it is one of the more expensive cities in Spain. Rent is high, especially in the centre, and tourism can make some areas feel crowded. If you are working in tech, design, or tourism, Barcelona has plenty of opportunities. If you are retiring, you may prefer somewhere quieter, but the city still has a lot to offer.
Madrid
For those emigrating from Ireland, Madrid could be a fantastic option. Here you’ll find the bustling capital of Spain, a vibrant and modern city framed by picturesque mountains and national parks. Culture lovers won’t be disappointed, for there are more than enough monuments to marvel at, from Plaza Mayor to Puerta del Sol and the Royal Palace.
For those wanting to take their history adventure even further, the National Archaeological Museum is well worth a visit. Here you’ll take yourself on a journey through the rich history of Spain.
Madrid has a vivid nightlife to suit every taste, whether you want flamenco dancing, cocktail bars, a tapas crawl, club, or a quiet night. It’s not uncommon for international staff relocations to end up here; being the capital, it’s the economic hub of the country. Due to this, and Madrid’s wide appeal, you’ll find many expats to befriend here!
Madrid is the best choice if you are moving for work. It is the economic centre of Spain, with jobs in finance, tech, government, and media. Salaries are higher than in other parts of the country, but so is the cost of living. The city is well connected, with a great public transport system and an international airport that makes trips back to Ireland easy. If you are retiring, Madrid may feel too busy, but it is still a wonderful place to visit or spend part of the year.
Valencia
Valencia is a beautiful place with plenty to boast about, from its stunning coast to dynamic nightlife and excellent food. Paella is, of course, the delicious Spanish dish that you’ll find throughout Spain, yet the origins of this delight are right here in Valencia!
The very first Valencia paella was made with chicken and rabbit as opposed to any seafood. You’ll likely want to indulge your taste buds with this if you end up here. In Valencia, you’ll also find La Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage site of beautiful Gothic architecture.
Valencia is also famous for its gorgeous beaches, so if you’re a fan of cocktails on the beach, this could be the one for you! The city is a great deal more compact than Barcelona or Madrid, but the cost of living here is less expensive too.
Valencia is often described as the best of both worlds. It has the energy of a big city, but it is smaller, friendlier, and more affordable than Barcelona or Madrid. The beach is right there, the food is incredible, and the climate is one of the best in Spain. It is a great choice for families, retirees, and remote workers. If you want a relaxed lifestyle without giving up city comforts, Valencia is hard to beat. For many people moving from Ireland to Spain, Valencia ends up being the perfect middle ground.
You Decided To Move. What Now?
Once you have made the decision to move from Ireland to Spain and once you’ve chosen your destination and gone through your checklist, you’ll need to get packing! You can use a free contents calculator on this site to quantify the amount of furniture and belongings that need to be moved.
When you are relocating to another country, planning and preparing enough takes away the stress. If you would prefer to leave the move to Spain in the hands of the professionals, then contact RAS Removals Group here, with their years of experience in successfully moving people all over the world, they will guarantee your move will run smoothly and successfully. You can reach out to their expert moving team by calling them directly on 353 1 963 1250.
At RAS Removals Group, we are a certified member of the I.A.M. (International Association of Movers) and an Irish family owned and operated business with nearly 30 years of experience. We have helped thousands of individuals, families and corporate clients with moving from Ireland to Spain and beyond. Our clients include Government bodies, corporate organisations and private individuals who expect nothing less than excellence. Whether you are moving to Spain for work, retirement or a fresh start, we handle everything from packing and customs documentation to shipping and final delivery. Our team will manage the process so you can focus on your new life in the sun.